BRADFORD BULLS new signing Manase Manuokafoa will miss the start of the Super League season after picking up a serious knee injury in training.

The former Parramatta prop, signed as a replacement for Andy Lynch, sustained a ruptured cruciate ligament in the Bulls’ final training session and will be sidelined for up to 10 weeks.

In Manuokafoa’s absence, Bradford coach Mick Potter gave a senior baptism to 19-year-old front rower Johnny Payne as the Tigers chalked up an impressive victory in coach Ian Millward’s first match in charge.